Aims. Excision of chronic osteomyelitic bone creates a dead space which must be managed to avoid early recurrence of infection. Systemic antibiotics cannot penetrate this space in high concentrations, so local treatment has become an attractive adjunct to surgery. The aim of this study was to present the mid- to long-term results of local treatment with gentamicin in a bioabsorbable ceramic carrier. Methods. A prospective series of 100 patients with Cierny-Mader Types III and IV chronic ostemyelitis, affecting 105 bones, were treated with a single-stage procedure including debridement, deep tissue sampling, local and systemic antibiotics, stabilization, and immediate skin closure. Chronic osteomyelitis was confirmed using strict diagnostic criteria. The mean follow-up was 6.05 years (4.2 to 8.4). Results. At final follow-up, six patients (six bones) had recurrent infection; thus 94% were infection-free. Three infections recurred in the first year, two in the second year, and one 4.5 years postoperatively. Recurrence was not significantly related to the physiological class of the patient (1/20 Class A (5%) vs 5/80 Class B (6.25%); p = 0.833), nor was it significantly related to the aetiology of the infection, the organisms which were cultured or the presence of nonunion before surgery (1/10 with nonunion (10%) vs 5/90 without nonunion (5.6%); p = 0.570). Organisms with intermediate or high-grade resistance to gentamicin were significantly more likely in polymicrobial infections (9/21; 42.8%) compared with monobacterial osteomyelitis (7/79 (8.9%); p < 0.001). However, recurrence was not significantly more frequent when a resistant organism was present (1/16 for resistant cases (6.25%) vs 5/84 in those with a microbiologically sensitive infection (5.95%); p = 0.958). Conclusion. We found that a single-stage protocol, including the use of a high-delivery local antibiotic ceramic carrier, was effective over a period of several years. The method can be used in a wide range of patients, including those with significant comorbidities and an infected nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1095–1100

Aims

Bone demonstrates good healing capacity, with a variety of strategies being utilized to enhance this healing. One potential strategy that has been suggested is the use of stem cells to accelerate healing.

Managing severe acetabular bone defects during primary and revision total hip arthroplasty is a challenging problem. Standard treatment options for this cases is using of acetabular reconstruction type-Burch-Schneider rings. Unfortunately, the possibility of osseointegration of these implants with surrounding bone has always remained a contentious issue. The emergence in recent years of new designs of trabecular titanium, representing a symbiosis of acetabular reconstructive plates and modular cup helped to solve this problem on a completely new level. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the short and mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of different types of acetabular revision cups - old and new design. From 2006 to 2015, we performed 48 acetabular reconstruction with reconstruction rings CONTUR Smith and Nephew(group 1) and 34 operations with Delta TT Lima Revision system (group 2). The mean age of patients was 59.2 years (range 30–79). Indications for operations included fractures in acetabular region (10 pat – 12,2 %), acetabular nonunions with bone defects (14 pat – 17,1%), aseptic loosening with multiple dislocation of the primary implants in 38 cases (46,3%) and second stage of infection treatment in 20 cases (24.4%). Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated by Harris Hip Score (HHS). Bone density in Charnley's zones was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. With CONTUR reconstruction rings were used 3 different types of bearing surface articulation (22 metal/polyethylene, 10 ceramic/polyethylene, and 16 oxinium/polyethylenel). With Delta TT Revision system were used metal/poly couples in 22 cases, ceramic/poly in 6 cases, and ceramic/ceramic couple in 4 cases. In two patients with high risk of dislocations were used double mobility system. In all operations with CONTUR rings was used bone impaction grafting to fill cavitary defects (Paprosky 2B-3A), with Delta TT Revision system in 14 cases (41,2%) additionally TT augments were used. In group 1 were 3 dislocations (6,3 %), 2 deep infections (4,2 %) and 4 aceptic loosenings with secondary instability of implants (8,3 %). In group 2 Trabecular Titanium showed a high capacity of osseointegration, providing good results in short-term follow-up. We registered only 2 dislocations (5,8 %) and 1 aceptic loosening (2,9 %). The mean HHS increased from 39.7 (range 23–62) preoperatively to 86.5 (range 68–98) at the last follow-up examination. The implanted cups were radiographically stable at the last follow-up visit (1 and 2 years) without radiolucent lines or periprosthetic osteolysis. Conclusions. Delta Revision TT is a good solution for acetabular reconstruction even when there are cavitary and segmental bone defects. Modularity of this system make it possible to correct inlay position, center of hip rotation and minimising the risk of dislocation

Methicillin– resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected gap non –union of long bones fractures is a challenge to manage. Treatment options are limited such a Ilizarov bone transport, vascularized bone free transfer etc. These techniques have complications and require expertise. We present a rare case with MRSA infected nonunion and bone defect 5cm of ulna which was managed with the induced membrane formation. A 33-years old male presented to outpatient department, 2 months after internal fixation on both left bone forearm fractures (Gustillo I). There was pus discharge from the operative site of ulna. Culture results: MRSA, C-Reactive Protein (CRP): 2,58 (0–5), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): 42 (0–20). Intravenous (iv) Teicoplanin and Rifampicin were administrated and after one month no topic symptoms and CRP- ESR were normal. One month later he had again actively draining sinus (CRP: 1,47 ESR:22). The implant (ulna) was removed and a gap 5 cm was created at the fracture site (necrotic-infected bone debrided), which was filled by cemented spacer (Tobramycin and vancomycin). An external fixator was applied to ulna. Radius was not involved. Post op. iv the same antibiotics for 4 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, the spacer was removed and the gap was filled with autologous cancellous bone graft (iliac crest). After 5 months the patient was reviewed. No any clinical and functional problems. Radiographics and CT-images were showed osseous consolidation. This technique (called as ‘Masquelet’) gives promising result in the management of infected long bone defects in upper extremity

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo biocompatibility of novel single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) composites for applications in bone and tissue regeneration.

Between November 1994 and June 1999, 35 patients referred to our Problem Fracture Service with chronic diaphyseal osteomyelitis were treated using a closed double-lumen suction irrigation system after reaming and arthroscopic debridement of the intramedullary canal. This is a modified system based on that of Lautenbach.

Between June and July 2007 the patients were reviewed by postal questionnaire and telephone and from the case notes. At a mean follow-up of 101 months (2 to 150), 26 had no evidence of recurrence and four had died from unrelated causes with no evidence of recurrent infection. One had been lost to follow-up at two months and was therefore excluded. Four had persisting problems with sinus discharge and one had his limb amputated for recurrent metaplastic change.

Our results represent a clearance of infection of 85.3% (29 of 34), with recurrence in 11.8% (4 of 34). They are comparable to the results of the Papineau and Belfast techniques, but with considerably less surgical insult to the patient.